City to partner with Interfaith Coalition, provide overnight shelter this winter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2009

For more information, please contact:
Danny Lopez, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349-CITY, lopezd@bloomington.in.gov

Bloomington, IN - Mayor Mark Kruzan has announced that the City of Bloomington will donate use of one of its downtown facilities as an overnight emergency shelter on Sunday evenings from November 1, 2009, to March 31, 2010.

The agreement with Bloomington's Interfaith Coalition, a group of 16 local congregations, must be approved by the City's Board of Parks Commissioners next Tuesday and calls for the Allison-Jukebox Community Center at Third Street Park downtown to be open on Sunday evenings. The plan would ensure shelter nightly throughout the winter. Previously, the Coalition had commitments from three different downtown churches for Monday through Saturday nights, but none had been able to operate on Sundays.

"This is unlike anything we have ever done, but we have an obligation to protect the most vulnerable citizens in our community," Kruzan said.

By offering the Allison-Jukebox Community Center, Kruzan says those in need will have a warm place to sleep each night during the cold winter months.

"Partnering with the Interfaith Coalition and taking advantage of its commitment, expertise and training is the best option for what we are looking to accomplish," Kruzan said.

In addition to opening the Allison-Jukebox, the City also committed to a $5,000 grant to be used for the cause. The funds will help with staffing and equipment needed at the various shelters, all of which will be operated by Coalition personnel.

###